Newly appointed Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2027 African Cup of Nations preliminary round doubleheader against São Tomé and Príncipe later this month. Sahle returned to the helm after nine years, and his squad is dominated by local players from the CBE Ethiopian Premier League.

 

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Sahle announced his squad earlier on Wednesday at the Ethiopian Football Federation headquarters around Welo Sefer, Addis Ababa. Four players received their first-ever national team call-ups. Negelle Arsi winger Kebbe Bizuneh, Mechal defender Girum Hagos, Wolwalo Adigrat University midfielder Biruk Endale, and Adama Ketema’s Bizuayehu Seifie have been summoned for the first time for the Sao Tome & Principe test.

Sahle opted to recall Saudi Arabia-based midfielder Gatoch Panom and Oman-based striker Kenean Markneh. Both players were ignored in recent call-ups by former coach Mesay Teferi. Al Shabab’s Markneh is having a superb season for his Omani side, as he has reached double-digit goals in all competitions in his debut season.

Ethiopian Insurance goalkeeper Abubeker Nura, Sidama Coffee captain Yared Bayeh, and Ethiopian Premier League top scorer Abel Yalew are also in the squad. Sahle stated that his staff has already begun planning for the São Tomé and Príncipe tie, and recent games of the Central African island nation have been reviewed for preparation purposes.

The team will commence preparation after the end of Week 24 matches of the Ethiopian Premier League. São Tomé and Príncipe will host Ethiopia in the first leg at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco, on March 27. The return leg will be on March 31 at Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Names 23-Man Squad for AFCON Qualifiers Against São Tomé and Príncipe

Newly appointed national team coach Yohannes Sahle has announced a 23-man squad ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round doubleheader against São Tomé and Príncipe later this month.

The squad announcement marks an important moment for the national team as Sahle returns to the coaching role after nearly nine years away from the position. His latest selection reflects a strong reliance on players from the CBE Ethiopian Premier League, with the majority of the squad coming from domestic clubs.

The decision highlights Sahle’s intention to build a competitive team around players who are already familiar with the local football environment while also blending in a few experienced names playing abroad.

Four Players Receive First National Team Call-Ups

Among the notable aspects of the squad announcement is the inclusion of four players who have received their first-ever national team call-ups.

The new faces include:

• Kebbe Bizuneh – winger from Negelle Arsi

• Girum Hagos – defender from Mechal

• Biruk Endale – midfielder from Wolwalo Adigrat University

• Bizuayehu Seifie – forward from Adama Ketema

These players have impressed in the domestic league this season and will now have an opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.

Their selection signals a renewed focus on identifying and promoting emerging talents within the national league system.

Key Overseas Players Return to the Squad

While the squad is largely made up of local-based players, Sahle has also recalled two overseas-based footballers who were not part of the team in recent call-ups under former coach Mesay Teferi.

The returning players are:

• Gatoch Panom, a midfielder currently playing in Saudi Arabia

• Kenean Markneh, a striker who represents Al Shabab in Oman

Markneh’s inclusion has drawn particular attention due to his impressive form this season. The forward has been enjoying a productive debut campaign in Oman and has already reached double-digit goals across all competitions.

His scoring ability could provide an important attacking option for the national side in the upcoming qualifiers.

Experienced Domestic Players Included

Several experienced players from the domestic league have also been included to provide balance and leadership within the squad.

Among the notable selections are:

• Abubeker Nura, goalkeeper for Ethiopian Insurance

• Yared Bayeh, captain of Sidama Coffee

• Abel Yalew, the current top scorer in the Ethiopian Premier League

These players have been performing consistently in the league and are expected to play key roles in the upcoming matches.

Their experience could prove vital as the team navigates the pressure of the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Preparation Already Underway

During the squad announcement at the Ethiopian Football Federation headquarters in Welo Sefer, Addis Ababa, Sahle revealed that preparations for the upcoming matches have already begun.

According to the coach, his technical staff has carefully analyzed recent matches involving São Tomé and Príncipe in order to better understand their strengths and weaknesses.

This early analysis is part of the strategy to ensure the team is well prepared for both legs of the preliminary round.

The national team is scheduled to begin its training camp shortly after the completion of Week 24 fixtures in the Ethiopian Premier League.

Important Two-Legged AFCON Qualifier

The upcoming tie will be played over two legs.

The first leg will take place on March 27 at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco, where São Tomé and Príncipe will host the match.

The second leg will then be played on March 31 at the Dire Dawa Stadium, giving the national team the advantage of playing the decisive match at home.

Success in this preliminary round will allow the team to progress further in the AFCON 2027 qualification process, which remains a key objective for the football federation.

A New Era Under Sahle

The return of Yohannes Sahle has generated optimism among supporters, who hope his experience and familiarity with the national team structure will help improve performances.

By blending emerging domestic talents with experienced players and a few overseas professionals, Sahle appears determined to build a balanced squad capable of competing at continental level.

The upcoming matches against São Tomé and Príncipe will therefore provide the first real test of his new project.

For many fans, the doubleheader represents not only a qualification opportunity but also the beginning of a new chapter for Ethiopian football.